“The Sky Is His Starting Point” – Enyimba Keeper Coach Ifeanyi Harcourt Beams With Pride As Son Shines At U20 AFCON

 By Orji Sampson 

As the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt nears a thrilling conclusion, one proud father is watching with a heart full of joy and pride—not just as a coach, but as a father whose dream is unfolding before his very eyes.

Enyimba FC’s respected goalkeeper trainer, Coach Ifeanyi Harcourt Enwereuzo, is basking in the spotlight of his son’s rising stardom on the continental stage. His son, Ebenezer Harcourt Enwereuzo, the undisputed number one for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, has been a revelation between the sticks—delivering clutch saves, exuding calm under pressure, and helping Nigeria clinch a coveted ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Speaking with InfoNews.com.ng in Aba, Coach Harcourt couldn’t hold back his excitement ahead of Nigeria’s third-place showdown with hosts Egypt on Sunday.

"Since he showed interest in goalkeeping while we were in Calabar, I have always known he will go places," Harcourt said, eyes lit with pride.

A former goalkeeper himself with a glittering playing career that saw him turn out for Rovers of Calabar, Udorji United, Heartland FC, and Silver Sports FC of South Africa, Harcourt sees in his son not just a continuation of his legacy—but a leap beyond it.

"My desire has always been for him to go beyond me and make name for himself. I have no doubt that if he keeps doing what I taught him, the sky will be his starting point."

That sky appears to be opening wider by the day. Young Ebenezer’s performances have caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. His heroics were crucial in guiding Nigeria through a tough group, with reflex saves and aerial dominance becoming a trademark of his style.

Coach Harcourt, who has quietly become a goalkeeping guru at Enyimba International, has been instrumental in developing some of Nigeria’s finest keepers in recent years, including Stanley Nwabali, John Noble, Ojo Olorunleke, and most recently Ani Ozoemena. But mentoring his own son and watching him succeed on the biggest stage of his young career has proven to be deeply emotional.

"He has made our family, our village, the state, and the entire nation proud," he said. "And for me as a coach and a father, there’s no greater joy."

The football world may soon get even more acquainted with the name Ebenezer Harcourt Enwereuzo. But for now, as the Flying Eagles prepare for one final battle in Egypt, one thing is certain—he already stands tall, not just for Nigeria, but for a father whose lessons and legacy are living large on the pitch.